Joint Statement by Chile and the United States on the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement

Contact:
Richard Mills (202) 395-3230

12/04/2001

WASHINGTON - The United States and Chile concluded the ninth round of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement on December 4 and announced that another round of negotiations will be held in Santiago during the week of January 21. Regina Vargo and Osvaldo Rosales, lead negotiators for the United States and Chile respectively, expressed their satisfaction with the eight days of talks held at the University of Miami, noting that significant progress was made in many groups, bringing the two countries closer to concluding an agreement early in the new year.

Both partners were pleased with the willingness each side demonstrated to work towards a mutually beneficial agreement, cooperating to find constructive approaches to the issues. Reflecting Chile and the United States' shared commitment to finalizing an agreement as soon as possible, negotiating groups will continue to make progress via telephone and video conference in anticipation of another round of talks in mid-January.